Analyst: Cambodian actions aimed at protecting social order, Thai actions aimed at provocation
PHNOM PENH: Since June 27, almost 1,500 suspects linked to online scam operations have been apprehended by Cambodian authorities.
As the campaign continues, one prominent analyst described the crackdown as being aimed at protecting social order, even as Thailand's actions appear to be intended to exploit and antagonize Cambodia.
According to the secretariat of the Committee to Combat Online Scams, as of Friday (July 18), nationwide operations targeting online scam activities had resulted in the arrest of 1,371 suspects in Phnom Penh, Kandal, Preah Sihanouk, Kampong Speu, Banteay Meanchey, Kratie, Stung Treng and Pursat provinces.
The latest raid took place today, with nine Chinese suspects apprehended in Stung Treng province, according to the Ministry of Information.
In the course of their operations, authorities seized computers, laptops, mobile phones, narcotics, weapons and ammunition as evidence.
The secretariat reported that after the raids, the crime scenes were sealed off to prevent access. Criminal ringleaders have been sent to court for legal proceedings, while most of the foreign nationals involved are in the process of being deported.
Several international organisations have accused both Cambodia and neighbouring Thailand being the base for high levels of online scam activities, with Thailand singling out Cambodia as a major target, even as border tensions rise.
Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, noted that although the government launched its latest campaign earlier this week, it has been tackling these crimes for years, although recent efforts were conducted on a larger scale.
'I have observed that Cambodia has been cracking down on these crimes for more than five years, not as a reaction to Thailand's accusations. Cambodia continues these efforts for security, safety and social order,' he said.
Recently, Thai authorities announced a case allegedly involving Cambodian businessman and senator Kok An, issuing arrest warrants for him and three of his children. Peou believed this action, targeting Cambodian citizens, appeared to be an attempt to provoke Cambodia.
'I don't know how Thailand operates, but it seems they target cases with political implications, like the one involving Kok An. Unlike Cambodia, which conducts regular crackdowns for societal stability, Thailand's actions seem aimed at provocation or political manoeuvring against Cambodia,' he said.
'Thus, the difference is that Thailand acts with political motives, while Cambodia does so consistently, for social stability,' added Peou. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
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